Happy May readers! ...Is that a thing? Wishing people a happy month of May? Ugh, now I just reminded myself it’s the 1st and rent is due. Lame...

Anyway, a few bits of business:

First off, the book status. I am eagerly awaiting some detailed reviews/critiques from my test readers. Thus far, I’ve received a couple quick responses from people still in the process of reading, and the going trend seems to be "I have notes, but I’m loving it so far". So that’s nice. That’s very nice actually. I’m sure I will soon hear all the details regarding the parts of the book that could use some improvement. But in the meantime, feel free to join me as I do my own personal happy dance to the tune of this awesome end credits theme from Iron Man 3. I wonder what the credits music will sound like when Dax becomes a movie... (Hey, I can dream can’t I?)

And now, let me turn your attention for a moment to some other Inkshares projects that need your help!

Beyond the Code, by Kelsey Rae Barthel
This fantasy book has only 12 days left to fund and is just 34 pre-orders away! The story features a group of warriors with extraordinary powers, locked in a war against their corrupt former order and redeeming themselves on a path toward becoming true heroes. Deep-seated conspiracies and fast-paced action. Check it out!

The Amaranth Chronicles: Deviant Rising, by Alexander Barnes
I’m giving you the exact pitch on this one because it’s perfect: "A group of freedom fighters join forces with a cybernetic killer to escape a totalitarian government that wants them dead." This has sci-fi blockbuster written all over it. Just take a look at Alexander’s project page and you’ll see the amount of love put into this sci-fi universe. 52 orders away and only 5 days left!!!

To Live and Die in Avalon, by Jason Chestnut
This book has a bit more time to spare, but I’m sharing it anyway because it’s a personal favorite. It follows a spacefaring secret agent in a 60s-spy-film-meets-Buck-Rogers retro-futuristic setting. It’s a lady James Bond in space! What’s not to love? I believe Jason has been granted an extension from the Inkshares team, so the book currently has 66 days to go with 169 orders to fill. Make it happen!

That’s all for tonight. Until next time!

-Tony

Readers,

THIS IS IT. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY. 

Today is the day that funding for Lucky ends. This is your last chance to order a copy and boost our numbers towards the fully funded mark of 750. We are depressingly far behind that number right now, so unless all of you have 50 friends who will also buy a copy of the book before midnight, we’re not going to make it.

I have applied for a funding extension from the Inkshares Overlords in hopes of being able to meet the 750 goal, but as of the sending of this update I have not received a reply, either positive or negative. I am hoping for a positive outcome, but at this point it’s just a hope.

I have completed editing Chapters 9 and 10 and have begun the creation of an all-new, shiny Chapter 11. I already had a Chapter 11, but it skipped farther ahead in the story than it should have, so I’m renumbering and redistributing the characters and plot developments for a better pace. 

I’d like to add that I have gathered many valuable insights from this funding journey with Inkshares: I feel that storytelling could be considered my "calling" in life. Even though I’m primarily focused on finishing and publishing this novel, I have a bunch of other stories in the back of my head clamoring to be let out. It’s exciting beyond belief and I look forward to being able to share these stories with you in the future.

Again, thank you all for your undying and unwavering support of Lucky. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue into the publishing process.

- Webster